Strains of “Scotland the Brave” and other traditional Scottish and Irish music will once again kick off the annual Garden Party and Fete at St. Stephen’s at 11:00 AM on May 3rd, performed by the John F Nicoll Pipe Band.
For over 35 years the John F. Nicoll Pipe Band has been carrying on the tradition of its namesake, a piper in the British Army during World War I who taught piping to many children in Glasgow.
They have become a tradition at the Garden Party, leading the opening procession in their brilliant uniforms adapted from uniforms of Scottish Regiments of the British Army. In addition to the opening ceremonies they will also perform additional sets during the afternoon.
Our colorful Maypole will occupy the center of the green and the Baltimore Folk Music Society will be there to demonstrate and teach the Maypole dance. Later in the afternoon there will be time to show off what we’ve learned by doing our own Maypole dance sans their expert guidance. What our dance lacks in precision is more than made up for with laughter.
A new feature for 2014 will be Punch and Judy shows presented by Professor Horn, the third generation of the Horn family to continue the legacy of “Horn’s Punch and Judy” started in 1897. The performances will take place in the children’s area but they are really for the child in all of us.
Camerata Musica will once again stroll the green performing Renaissance madrigals dressed in period costumes. Like the pipe band, they have become a Garden Party tradition and have also added to the festive atmosphere of our Cookie Walk.
King Henry the Eighth will preside over all of this and so much more—children’s activities and races, an overflowing jumble table, delicious homemade backed goods, craft items made by St. Stephen’s crafters, delicious afternoon tea in the tea room, British “Pub Grub” accompanied by a pint or two, and much, much more.
Bring your family, invite your friends and neighbors and come to the fair.
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